Description
Creamy Homemade Horchata is a refreshing traditional Mexican drink made from rice, cinnamon, and milk, sweetened with sugar and infused with vanilla for a delightful aromatic flavor. Perfectly chilled and served over ice, this creamy beverage offers a sweet, smooth taste that’s both comforting and cooling on warm days.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup Long Grain Rice (Rinsed thoroughly to remove excess starch)
- 4 cups Water (For soaking the rice and blending)
- 1 stick Cinnamon Stick (Adds warm, aromatic flavor)
Flavoring and Sweetening
- 4 cups Milk (Can use whole or non-dairy milk alternatives)
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar (Adjust according to taste preferences)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Essence (Optional, enhances flavor)
Instructions
- Rinse the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- Soak the Rice: Soak the rinsed rice along with one cinnamon stick in 4 cups of water for at least 4 hours or overnight to soften and infuse the flavors.
- Blend the Mixture: Blend the soaked rice and cinnamon stick with 2 cups of fresh water until smooth to create the base liquid.
- Strain the Liquid: Strain the blended mixture into a pitcher, pressing down gently to extract as much liquid as possible, removing any solids.
- Add Milk and Sweeteners: Stir in 4 cups of milk, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla essence until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
- Chill the Horchata: Refrigerate the horchata for at least 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the drink to become refreshingly cold.
- Serve: Serve the chilled horchata over ice and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired for extra aroma and appearance.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, use whole milk or add a splash of sweetened condensed milk.
- Non-dairy milk alternatives like almond or oat milk work well for a vegan version.
- Adjust sugar to your preference, or substitute with honey or agave syrup for a different sweetness profile.
- Soaking the rice overnight enhances flavor and texture better than a shorter soak.
- Shake or stir the horchata well before serving, as natural separation may occur during chilling.
